My Sky Sport took 1st and 2nd at the Palmer Memorial contest over the weekend. I loaned the model to Bart Klapinski, and of course he whupped me by 50 points with my own airplane. I expected no less. He scored a 492. That is why I am "DesignMan" not "PilotMan".
We fly 1cc models intermixed with the "expert" Profile 40 planes in an attempt to keep the judging on a standard level. (We usually are as good or better). I absolutely hate it when someone scores 60 degree angle loops with 35 points "because that's pretty good for a little plane". Small planes MUST be judged on the same basis as big ones, or we will never progress. Anyone who has had the pleasure of seeing Dave Shirley's plane fly can attest that truly competitive small models are possible.
Anyway, I'll try to post a photo of the model. It is due to come out in Flying Models in a couple of months, then as a kit from RSM some respectable time after that. The model has 160 sq. in. of area, and is powered by a modified Brodak .049 mk 1. The mods are a rebalanced and fitted crankshaft and a Nelson head. Prop was a Master Airscrew 5.5x4, fuel is 15%-10-10 Excalabur. I think that it might have been a bit heavy on the Nitro, as it was difficult to get a really comfortable needle setting. Lines were 45' of .008 cable and the handle was an RSM/Renger "Even Ultamater 1/2A handle". ( I had some new ideas and nobody but me could get his fingers into the previous design).
So now the model has been flown in competition (and won!) with a National Champion, Bart, plus having been test flown by others - Ted Fancher, Brett Buck, John Wright. When they speak, I listen!